Questions about Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is most common amongst young men aged between 20-34 and women aged between 16-24. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems.  

How is Chlamydia spread?

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex; it can infect the sexual organs, rectum or throat. Chlamydia is probably the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.  About one in twenty people aged between 15 and 20 will get Chlamydia at some point.

How infectious is Chlamydia?

Because Chlamydia is sexually transmitted there is always a risk that it will spread each time an infected person has sex. Chlamydia tends to infect women more than men. Barrier methods of contraception such as condoms will avoid spreading infection, but only if used properly.

What are the symptoms?

Most people have no symptoms so you may not know if you have it. If you do get symptoms you may notice:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• pain when peeing or having sex
• bleeding after sex or between periods
• lower abdominal pain or pain in the testicles

If you have any of these symptoms see someone to get tested right away.

The chlamydia test

For women:

The chlamydia test can be done on a urine sample or on a swab that you can take from your vagina in private. There will be no need for an intimate or embarrassing examination. You will be asked to fill out a form, then your sample will be sent to the testing centre. Alternatively we can provide you with a self-test postal kit to take home. Simply complete the form and take your sample in the privacy of your own home then freepost them to the testing centre using the envelope provided.

For men:

You will be asked to provide a urine sample and fill out a form which will be sent to the testing centre. Alternatively we can provide you with a self-test postal kit to take home.

How is Chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics; you need to remember that antibiotics can stop the contraceptive pill or patch from working. Your past and present sexual partners will also need to be tested to see if they need treatment. If you do not wish to contact them yourself the testing centre, or a GUM clinic, can help organise this for you.